European security solution provider Integralis has bought UAE-based systems integrator ProtechT to give the vendor a foothold in the regional market, it said this week.

European security solution provider Integralis has bought UAE-based systems integrator ProtechT to give the vendor a foothold in the regional market, it said this week.

Integralis did not disclose the value of the deal, but CEO Georg Maag told IT Weekly the firm saw it as a "significant" move as it supported its expansion strategy.

"As Europe's largest security solution provider, we have been looking for a strategic alliance that enables us to expand our presence in emerging markets such as the Gulf," Maag said.

ProtechT, which is based in Dubai Internet City (DIC), counts Qatar's Ministry of Interior, Department of Health and Medical Service Dubai, Department of Naturalization and Residency Department Dubai, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Tamweel and Daman among its list of clients.

Maag said Integralis would take on ProtechT's current 13 staff and was looking at expanding that headcount to 18 this year, with potentially more to come. "It all depends on how fast we can grow our business here," he said.

"Becoming part of the Integralis Group will enable us to consolidate and boost our double digit growth and profitability rate," Antoine Chamieh, general manager of ProtechT, said in a statement.